SCOTUS to discuss public meeting prayers

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - The Speaker of the House of Representatives filed a brief for the potential practice of saying prayers at the opening of public meetings.

According to a news release, Speaker Andy Tobin filed an amicus brief on January 7, and the Supreme Court of the United States will review the constitutionality of the matter for the first time in three decades.

The Town of Greece (NY) vs. Galloway,the latest case, will be heard starting next October.

"For the state of Arizona,there can be no denying the historic and contemplative value of prayer beforepublic proceedings," Tobin said. "The outcome of this case could very well preserve oreliminate one of the great American traditions which poses no threat to thesecular nature of the business of the state nor does it require any present toadhere to the norms or dogma of any one religion or creed."

Currently, each floor session of the House ofRepresentatives begins with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag.